Brazilian exports to Arab countries went up by 18% in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. This rise exceeded the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) forecasts at the outset of 2005, when it was believed that this year there would be an expansion of 12% to 13%, ANBA reported Tuesday.

In an accumulated figure for the last 12 months, exports amounted to US$ 4.2 billion, an increase of 32.9% over the same period one year before.

In April, Brazil had revenues of US$ 373 million from exports to the Arab States, or 53% more than in the same month in 2004.

Meanwhile, Brazilian imports from Arab states rose 9.9% in the first four months of 2005. Brazil spent US$ 1.1 billion in purchases from the region, or US$ 104 million more than in the period from January to April 2004.